Petaluma’s Jonny Gomes nearing a deal with the A’s

A source close to the situation tells me that Petaluma’s favorite son, Jonny Gomes, is so close to signing a contract with the A’s “he could be in green and gold by Monday,” and a second source confirmed that a deal is likely.

After acquiring Seth Smith in a trade last week, A’s general manager Billy Beane said that the team would still look to add outfield depth, with an emphasis on outfielders with good numbers against left-handed pitchers. Conor Jackson, who played with the A’s last season before being traded to Boston, was a consideration, as was another former A’s player, Johnny Damon.

But it now appears that Gomes, 31, will be the guy, and that will make the 707 proud – Gomes annually attracts nearly a full section of fans from Petaluma when he’s in town, so maybe Sonoma County can help boost Oakland’s attendance this season.

Gomes also will bring a lot of energy and a good sense of humor to the Oakland clubhouse, along with giving a young club another veteran presence. And he’s a career .281 hitter against lefties (with a .375 OBP), compared to .224 (and .306) vs. right-handers. I think it’s safe to say he’ll mostly be starting against lefties.

I’ve always thought it would be kind of neat for Gomes to play in the Bay Area. With his personality and local appeal, I believe he can be a real fan favorite. I know a lot of A’s fans are trying to find a reason to stick with the team this year, and find someone to root for…. well, here’s your guy, if some of the fun returning A’s (Dallas Braden, Jemile Weeks, Coco Crisp) and the interesting young additions (too many to list) don’t do the trick.

I don’t know terms of any deal yet, but I have to assume it would be a one-year contract, with perhaps a chance of a team option.